Echuca named at 35 in top 100 towns

“Any town that’s home to both the National Holden Motor Museum and the Great Aussie Beer Shed has to make our top 100,” their bio of the town read.

“A step back in time, the historic town of Echuca sits proudly on the Murray River in Victoria and is known far and wide as the paddle steamer capital of Australia.

“The town is home to the Port of Echuca, which was built in 1860 and was the largest inland port in the country in its day.

“While Echuca’s town centre almost brings you back to reality with its modern shops, hotels and eateries, its historic buildings, like the old post office with its circa 1870 clock tower, will keep you dreaming about years gone by.”

Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive Kathryn Mackenzie said it was a testament to the brand the community has built.

“Not only were we 35 on the national list, we were number 10 in Victoria,” she said.

“The majority of towns from Victoria which made the list were costal. We were one of very few inland towns which made the list for the state.

“Our operators have worked incredibly hard to build the reputation of the community, to the point where many visitors come to the town not because they want to see the sights, but because they enjoy the experience our community has to offer.

“The people in our town are fantastic, the scenery is beautiful and there is so much to take in.

“When Winter Blues was cancelled, many people were still wanting to make the trip and spend the time here anyway because they simply enjoyed the experience of being in town.

“Everyone across Echuca-Moama has worked to build this reputation, and it's great to see it acknowledged.”

The website also notes the city was once nominated as the nation's capital city in 1891.

“That was a surprise to me,” Mackenzie said.

“I can only imagine its relevance to our trade along the river made it a point of consideration at the time. But it's nice for us to learn a bit of history many would not have known.”